What is a variance for the expansion of a nonconforming use?
Expansion of a nonconforming use. A nonconforming use is one that was a conforming use prior to enactment of a zoning ordinance or prior to a change in an existing zoning ordinance. Such a situation arises, for instance, where an auto repair business is conforming under an existing zoning ordinance but a subsequent amendment changes the district from general business to residential. A variance would be required before the owner can construct additional garage space to accommodate more cars. By way of further example, consider a business which is located in a conforming three- story building but a zoning amendment later limits building height in that zone to two stories. In this case, the owner of the building would require a variance to construct a fourth floor. – Last Update: October 21, 2008 which is 460 days ago.
